Cuomo: Storm victims can vote anywhere in New York

11/5/12 7:36 PM EST

Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.) announced Monday that New York residents displaced by Hurricane Sandy can cast ballots anywhere in the state.

"We want everyone to vote. Just because people are displaced doesn't mean they should be disenfranchised," Cuomo said at a news conference, according to the Asssociated Press.

On Twitter, Cuomo indicated that permission to vote "by affidavit" had been granted to residents of Rockland and Westchester counties, Long Island and New York City.

Civil rights and voting rights groups had urged Cuomo to issue such an order, much as N.J. Gov. Chris Christie's administration did on Saturday.

Cuomo said all voters will be able to cast ballots for president and U.S. Senate, but only those voters who go to a precinct in their home district will be able to vote for state Senate, assembly and local offices.

"You can't vote for what we call down-ballot individuals," Cuomo said. "Your vote will not be eligible."